December 13, 2025 — In a year marked by significant upheavals in the video game industry, the creative spirit of developers has shone through with a lineup of remarkable games. Despite challenges such as surging prices, the impact of artificial intelligence, and a consolidation of platforms, the industry has delivered a diverse array of experiences that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
This year, the video game landscape has been defined by a shift towards streaming, subscriptions, and convergence, making the world’s largest entertainment category feel less stable than ever. However, the appetite for creativity, innovation, and storytelling remains irrepressible, offering gamers a plethora of engaging experiences.
The Drifter: A Sci-Fi Noir Adventure
One standout title is The Drifter, a PC game that combines contemporary storytelling with the classic point-and-click adventure genre. Set in a stark, pixelated world, it follows Mick Carter, a haunted and houseless protagonist, as he navigates a conspiracy and a time loop that prevents his death. The game balances fantastical terror with grounded tragedy, elevated by Adrian Vaughan’s compelling voice performance.
Innovative Takes on Classic Genres
Meanwhile, Ball x Pit has revitalized the classic paddle-ball action genre with a roguelite structure, offering a strategic and satisfying experience. Players wield the ball as a weapon, taking on enemies and unlocking new capabilities over time. This innovative approach has transformed a simple concept into a complex and engaging game.
Ghost of Yotei transports players to early 1600s Japan, offering an epic samurai cinema experience on the PS5. The game emphasizes free exploration and precise combat, delivering a personal revenge story set in a beautifully detailed world.
Expansive Worlds and Engaging Narratives
Mario Kart World on the Switch 2 introduces a new dimension to the beloved kart racing series. With 30 circuits set within a massive continent, the game offers a chaotic road trip feel with 24 competitors, transforming familiar locations with day-to-night cycles and an incredible soundtrack.
Dispatch, produced by team members from Telltale, offers a gripping interactive TV show experience. Set in a world of superpowers, players manage a band of reforming villains, making choices that shape the narrative in unexpected ways. The game’s sharp writing and excellent voice performances make it a standout title.
Reimagining Classic Franchises
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond continues the series’ legacy with first-person exploration and platforming. The game features updated visuals and a haunting soundtrack, while maintaining the satisfaction of discovering new gear and learning about a dead civilization.
Avowed expands the Pillars of Eternity universe into an accessible swords-and-sorcery adventure. The game offers a focused RPG experience with a constant sense of progression, set against stunning scenery and a rich narrative.
Split Fiction evolves Hazelight’s co-operative gameplay, blending sci-fi and fantasy worlds for a modern split-screen experience. Despite its cringy writing, the game offers innovative scenarios and collaborative gameplay that keep players engaged.
Artistic and Meditative Experiences
Sword of the Sea bridges the gap between indie fans and art enthusiasts with its gorgeous visuals and meditative gameplay. Players glide through fantasy landscapes, forging a connection between their movements and the transforming world.
Absolum reinvents the side-scrolling brawler genre with a roguelite structure, offering addictive and rewarding gameplay. The game’s hand-drawn art and looping structure make it a standout title for fans of classic brawlers.
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance transforms the classic Sega franchise into a fast-paced action platformer. With brutal swordplay and a sense of progression, the game offers a nostalgic yet fresh experience for fans of the series.
RPGs and Magical Realism
Octopath Traveler 0 continues Square Enix’s legacy of turn-based RPGs with its dreamy HD-2D graphics and updated classic design. The game centers around a single narrative and town-building gameplay, offering a sense of permanent progression.
South of Midnight captures the essence of magical realism with its faux-stop-motion adventure. Set in the American south, the game blends folklore with human stories, creating an unmissable experience.
Donkey Kong Bananza marks a stunning return for the iconic character, offering a kinetic and aggressive platforming experience. With destructible landscapes and powerful transformations, the game stands out as one of the best 3D platformers.
Hades II: A Masterful Sequel
Finally, Hades II delivers an addictive dungeon-crawling experience with its engaging Greek god story and masterful roguelite structure. Players navigate the underworld with support from the Gods of Olympus, enhancing their combat and movement with each run.
As the video game industry continues to evolve, these standout titles demonstrate the enduring power of creativity and innovation, offering players a diverse array of experiences to explore and enjoy.
